An extremely tragic story is being reported out of Illinois. A young football prodigy, Jaylon McKenzie, was sadly killed over the weekend.

According to reports, 14-year-old recently featured in Sports Illustrated as one of six teens 'who will rule the future in sports, died after he was shot at a party in Illinois on Saturday night, according to police.

He was an eighth-grade student at Central Junior High. Another girl was also critically injured in the incident. The suspects in the shooting have not been identified by police at this time.

His mother has since spoken out about losing her son. It is heartbreaking to read her words and know the pain she must be feeling at this time.

"It's so hard to fathom that someone took my baby from me because he dreamed so big," McKenzie’s mother, Sukeena Gunner, said. "I can just remember him coming into my room and telling my husband to call his name. 'We have a 5-6 running back, Jayyyyy-lonnnn MacKenzieeee.' And he would run into the room after his name was called."

Jaylon's dream was to play in the NFL. He was an extremely talented running back, receiver and defensive back. He was most recently featured as a member of the NFL's 8th Grade All-American team.

The story quickly went viral around the nation. Now, a famous NFL star is stepping up in a big way to help out Jaylon's family during this hard time. Ezekiel Elliot is donating to help pay for the young boy's funeral.

"Ezekiel Elliott is covering funeral expenses for an 8th-grade football star who was shot and killed by a stray bullet last weekend while leaving a party in St. Louis," wrote TMZ.

The story hits close to home for Elliot. He apparently wanted to help out given the situation and due to his personal feelings on the tragedy.

"So, when Ezekiel Elliott -- who grew up in St. Louis -- heard about his passing, we're told the NFL star felt compelled to help McKenzie's family by paying for the funeral costs," according to reports.

The family will forever be grateful for the kind gesture. Please join us in praying for all of Jaylon's family and friends. We also pray for the officers who are working on this heartbreaking case.